Malaysia's ruling party launches election manifesto

Catherine McGrath Updated
Mon Apr 08 19:24:49 EST 2013

Photo

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak dissolved parliament on April 3 in preparation for the country's general election.

AFP: Nicholas Kamm

Malaysia's ruling coalition Barisan Nasional (BN) has launched its election manifesto, promising more cash for family assistance and greater democracy as it battles a strong opposition in the upcoming polls.

Prime Minister Najib Razak has also vowed to increase household payments, cut car prises, lower taxes and involve NGOs and members of civil society groups in local government.

"Imagine what we can achieve in the next five years if we have a strong mandate," Mr Najib told a packed crowd at the Stadium Putra in Kuala Lumpur.

But the Opposition has criticised the BN's policy launch, which was broadcast on national television, for ignoring the ethnics and best practices of a caretaker government.

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim says his party does not enjoy similar media access in Malaysia.

The government is under extreme pressure from a newly invigorated Opposition.

Election promises

In the BN's manifesto titled "A Promise of Hope", Prime Minister Najib said Malaysia needs a strong government with a proven track record.

"The record of this government in delivering on its promises speaks for itself," he said.

"From economic, political and social transformation, to the upholding of democracy and human rights, we have moved surely and firmly towards a path of greater liberalisation.

"Real changes have taken place, but the journey towards total transformation will take time."

The 13th General Election (GE13) sees the ruling party challenged by a united Opposition Pakatan Rakyat Party (People's Pact) led by UNMO defector and former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is campaigning on an anti-corruption platform.

Mr Anwar has responded to the government's policy launch, saying "The BN manifesto is still cast in the perverse and outdated belief that the hearts and minds of the people can be bought."

The Opposition unveiled its election plan and policies in February, promising lower oil and utility prices and education improvements along with measures to stamp out corruption.